God's call to fathers___By Earl Duggins___Pastor, Forest Home Baptist Church, Kilgore___"Go into the ark, you and your whole family ..." (Genesis 7:1).___This was God's gracious call to a father. Because of the sensationalism of the flood, we sometimes overlook the example of the father. In our day so sadly characterized by failing families, let us consider Noah, who realized family success. Although he wasn't perfect, he did lead his entire family into the ark of safety.___Consider Noah's responsibility. He was called upon to step out in faith and build the ark. Years later came the call to lead his family into the ark. Great was his responsibility before God. So is every father's. Fatherhood is not to be taken lightly.___Consider Noah's world. To say he lived in a wicked society is an understatement. Notice these words from God describing that generation, "The wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Yet in the midst of that severe wickedness, God spoke to Noah. No meanness or madness could hush the voice of God.___Consider Noah's faith. He believed God. Some say that it matters not what you believe, just be sincere. How tragically wrong that is. The truth is this: All that really matters is what you believe. Had Noah not been a believer in God, his family would have perished in the flood. But, thank God, he believed God, built the ark and in doing so built up his family in the faith.___Consider the result of Noah's faith. Responding to the call, Noah found his all in the ark. God's presence was in the ark. From the time of his entrance, Noah found his food, his shelter, his work and his pleasures all in the ark.___Furthermore, Noah saw his family follow him into the ark. Some say Noah was not much of a preacher because only a few followed. I say award him the "man of the year" trophy. He was the instrument used to get his family in. Praise God for the father who leads his entire family into the ark of safety.___Father's Day is a special day, and what could be more special than for every father to commit heart and home to our Lord? The call to Noah continues to ring to every father: "Go into the ark, you and your whole family."